How do I manage my fever?

Managing Fever

For fever management, drink fluids regularly to avoid dehydration (no more than 2 liters per day) and take paracetamol if you have fever with other uncomfortable symptoms, but do not use antipyretics solely to reduce body temperature. 1

Understanding Fever

Fever is a natural defense mechanism against infection. It works by:

• Augmenting immune cell performance
• Inducing stress on pathogens directly
• Combining with other stressors to provide nonspecific immune defense 2

Research suggests that fever may provide a survival benefit during infections, and randomized trials do not support routine fever reduction in patients with infections 2.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Stop self-treatment and consult a doctor if:

• Fever gets worse or lasts more than 3 days
• New symptoms develop
• Redness or swelling appears
• Pain worsens or lasts more than 10 days 3

These could indicate a serious condition requiring medical evaluation.

Practical Fever Management Steps

Do:

• Stay hydrated: Drink fluids regularly, but limit to no more than 2 liters per day 1
• Take paracetamol (acetaminophen) if you have fever with other uncomfortable symptoms that would benefit from treatment 1
• Continue medications only while symptoms persist 1

Don't:

• Don't use antipyretics solely to reduce body temperature 1
• Avoid physical cooling methods like cold bathing or tepid sponging as they cause discomfort and are not recommended 1, 4

Special Considerations

For COVID-19:

• Paracetamol is preferred over NSAIDs for fever management in COVID-19 patients until more evidence is available 1
• Consider allowing fever to run its course as it may help fight the infection 2

For Children with Febrile Seizures:

• Treat fever to promote comfort and prevent dehydration 1
• Ensure adequate fluid intake 1
• Use paracetamol as the preferred antipyretic 1

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Overtreatment of fever: Remember that fever itself is not harmful in most cases and is part of the body's defense mechanism 2
2. Inadequate hydration: Dehydration can worsen fever symptoms and overall condition
3. Using physical cooling methods: These often cause discomfort and are not recommended 1, 4
4. Ignoring warning signs: Persistent or worsening fever may indicate a serious condition requiring medical attention 3

By following these evidence-based guidelines, you can effectively manage your fever while supporting your body's natural defense mechanisms.